The Red Lipstick Olympics (My faves + How to choose the most flattering colour for you).

If you just so happen to see me walking along the street one day, there’s one thing that I can almost guarantee- if I’m wearing makeup, I’m probably wearing red lipstick.

No matter the occasion, a red lip makes me feel like the best version of myself. It makes me feel classy, sassy, and elegant regardless of what I’m wearing, and boosts my confidence in a way that no other beauty product can.

In my time, I’ve tried countless brands, finishes, formulas and shades and built up quite the collection. While there are certainly no rules when it comes to makeup, I’ve definitely found that some are much more flattering than others- so if you’re struggling to find the lippie that sets your world on fire, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve adapted this idea from the ever so lovely and talented Amber Scholl, who tried on a total of 17 different lipsticks and really put them through their paces to find her ultimate winner. I highly suggest you check out her video by clicking here.

And without further ado, lets jump in.

 

Undertone

 

In my experience, finding the ‘right’ red for you, really comes down to figuring out your undertone- skin, hair, and eyes.

If you’re unsure of how to do this, check out this video by Brittney Gray.

From there, try and find a colour that fits within the spectrum of your undertone and you’ll be well on your way to feeling fierce.

HOLD UP: This isn’t to say that you cannot look amazing in a shade outside of this spectrum (I do this all the time), it’s just about finding a look that ties everything together.

 

True Reds

True red is by far the most flattering lip colour out there, as there are so many different variants in undertone.

If you’re on the cooler end of the spectrum, I suggest looking for something with a blue undertone and a little bit of depth, and if you’re warmer, a slightly pinkier undertone and some brightness works wonderfully.

My faves

 

 

MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red ($36)

Undertone: Blue/Cool

Texture: Creamy matte lipstick

Transfer: Yes

Drying: Tiny bit

Scent: Vanilla cake batter (strong)

Longevity: 6-8 hours before needing a touch up

Overall Rating: 10/10

NOTES: This has been my ultimate favourite lipstick since the age of 16. Buy it.

 

Covergirl Colourlicious Lipstick in Hot ($16.95)

Undertone: Pink/Neutral

Texture: Traditional creamy lipstick

Transfer: Yes

Drying: Yes

Scent: High end play-doh (medium)

Longevity: 4-5 hours before needing a touch up

Overall Rating: 7/10

NOTES: This is the exact lipstick that Taylor Swift used to wear back in her ‘Red’ days (the colour was formerly called ‘hot passion’) which is the only reason I bought it. The colour is stunning, but be prepared to wear it for several days, because on me this leaves a stain like no other. An intense hot pink one at that.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored ($36)

Undertone: True neutral

Texture: Soft matte liquid lipstick

Transfer: A tiny bit

Drying: Not at all

Scent: Fresh and sweet (mild)

Longevity: 8-10 hours before needing a touch up. Tends to bleed and fade if I’m eating exceptionally oily food.

Overall Rating: 9/10

NOTES: Of all the liquid lipsticks in this post, this one is by far my favourite. It’s highly pigmented and comfortable to wear, and the applicator makes it super easy to get a perfectly crisp edge without a lip liner. One point has been deducted for it’s tendency to fade with oily food. The colour of this one is also the most universally flattering, so if all else fails, this is the one!

 

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in Creeper ($6.50 USD)

Undertone: Blue/neutral

Texture: Full matte liquid lipstick

Transfer: None. Ever.

Drying: Extremely

Scent: Sweet (very mild)

Longevity: 10-12 hours with no need for touch ups.

Overall Rating: 8/10

NOTES: If you love the Fenty Beauty one but want something a little brighter and more affordable, this is a great option. The wear on this one is unmatchable, but you pay the price with lots of dryness- definitely slather on the lip balm before application.

 

Oranges

In summer, orange is my go to. When I have a tan, it makes me feel like a Kardashian in the best way possible.

Generally, oranges do look best on those of us with neutral or warm undertones. But if you’re cooler and want to rock one, I suggest going for more of an orange toned red.

My faves

 

Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Rêver by Kathleen Lights ($6.50 USD)

Undertone: Warm neon orange

Texture: Satin/Velvet liquid lipstick

Transfer: Yes (not much)

Drying: No

Scent: Sweet (mild)

Longevity: 8-10 hours with minimal touch ups

Overall Rating: 9/10

NOTES: Of all the oranges, this is definitely the most bold and not for the faint hearted. The formula is impeccable and if you have warm or olive skin, this is a MUST (don’t even get me started on the price).

 

MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger ($36)

Undertone: Warm/Coral orange

Texture: Creamy matte lipstick

Transfer: A little bit

Drying: A tiny bit

Scent: Vanilla cake batter (strong)

Longevity: 8 hours before needing a touch up

Overall Rating: 10/10

NOTES: This is quite a universally flattering orange as it’s still quite red as opposed to neon. It also goes perfectly with pretty much every hair colour which is also great.

 

Max Factor Marilyn Monroe Lipstick in Sunset Red ($20.95)

Undertone: Yellow/Red

Texture: Satin/Glossy lipstick

Transfer: Major

Drying: No

Scent: Lemonade (mild)

Longevity: 4 hours before needing a touch up

Overall Rating: 7/10

NOTES: This is quite a unique orange in the sense that it’s almost ‘dusty’ in colour and is much more muted than the previous two. Despite it not being very long wearing and it’s transfer issues, it does look beautiful on just about everyone so if you can get your hands on it, it’s definitely worth the extra work.

 

Darks

Surprisingly, deeper reds are some of the easiest to wear, simply because they’re not as bright and ‘look at me’. If you’re looking for a red that oozes class and elegance, you’ve come to the right place.

Most deep reds are pretty universal, but if you want to go the extra mile, I suggest that those with cooler undertones should opt for a more purple or berry tone, and warmer undertones look excellent with a more maroon/brown tone.

My faves

 

Rimmel London Kate Moss Matte Finish Lipstick in 107 ($12.95)

Undertone: Purple/Berry

Texture: Creamy matte lipstick

Transfer: A little bit

Drying: No

Scent: Classic ‘lipstick’ smell (strong)

Longevity: 6-8 hours before needing a touch up

Overall Rating: 9/10

NOTES: The Kate Moss collection has some of my favourite lipsticks of all time- the formula is pretty comparable to MAC but without the dryness and insane price tag. Highly recommend giving them a go!

 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Rubino ($32)

Undertone: Warm/brown

Texture: Moussey Matte liquid lipstick

Transfer: Not enough to be noticeable

Drying: A little bit

Scent: Sweet ‘lipstick’ scent (strong)

Longevity: 8-10 hours with no touch ups

Overall Rating: 8/10

NOTES: I don’t tend to reach for this colour much, but every time I do, I wish I did more. The formula and longevity of this is pretty similar to Fenty Beauty, but the texture is slightly more mousse like which makes it easier to apply with a lip liner.

 

 

Hopefully my obsession has helped you in some way and that I’ve pointed you in the right direction. If you have any favourites or recommendations, I’d love to hear from you (I’m always open to expanding my collection) so leave me a comment below.

Until next time, 😉